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Nevada's US lawmakers call for NBA to expand to Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Nevada's Congressional delegation has joined the push to land Las Vegas an NBA expansion team.

All six of the Silver State's U.S. lawmakers signed a letter to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver urging the league to pick Las Vegas for a new franchise.

"For over 20 years, Las Vegas has hosted the NBA Summer League, growing significantly since its inception," the letter states. "From this success, a strong basketball legacy and serving as the host for the mid-season NBA Cup championship, we firmly believe that Las Vegas is an ideal home for NBA expansion."

All six members of Nevada's Congressional delegation sign onto a letter to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver advocating for a Las Vegas expansion team.

Click here to view the PDF file

They add that the valley has proven itself as a home for basketball success, citing the three-time WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces and the history of the UNLV Runnin' Rebels.

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A new NBA team in Las Vegas would give the league unprecedented international exposure, they argue.

ESPN reported this week that the NBA's board of governors will hold a formal vote later in March on whether to explore expanding by two teams in Las Vegas and Seattle.

It's unclear who would bid for a team, though basketball legends Shaquille O'Neal and Magic Johnson have shared their interest.

A new franchise could come with a price tag of $7-10 billion, according to ESPN.

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